Philodendron ‘Painted Lady’

Origin of Philodendron ‘Painted Lady’

Philodendron ‘Painted Lady’ is widely associated in horticulture with a Robert H. McColley hybrid from ‘Burgundy’ × ‘Emerald Queen’, patented in 1976.

The patent does not use the name ‘Painted Lady’, so the direct link between that patented plant and the later cultivar name remains unconfirmed.

Indoor growing guide for Philodendron ‘Painted Lady’

• Support: Guide the climbing stem onto a stable pole or board as it lengthens, leaving each new leaf enough space to clear older leaf stalks.
• Light: Use bright filtered light to support the yellow-green pattern without exposing soft leaves to intense direct sun.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep temperatures around 18–29 °C and protect the plant from prolonged conditions below 15 °C. Keep humidity around 50–60%.
• Leaf bases and airflow: Let the old red coverings around the leaf bases dry naturally. Remove them only when loose and keep gentle air movement around the nodes.
• Watering and mix: Use a coarse, airy potting mix. Water when the upper layer has begun to dry and the pot feels lighter, then let excess water drain.
• Feeding: Feed during active climbing growth at a modest dose and reduce feeding when new growth slows.
• Repotting: Repot into a slightly larger pot when roots become crowded. Keep the pole or board secure and the pot stable.
• Propagation: Choose a healthy node-bearing stem section; use one with an aerial root when available to support early establishment.

What to check when Philodendron ‘Painted Lady’ has problems

• Black specks and pale scars appear around a new leaf: Inspect the folded blade and the red sheaths for thrips. If they are present, isolate the plant, clean firm accessible leaves and use a houseplant treatment with thrips on the current label. Repeat it at the stated interval
• A soft wet area spreads under an old sheath: Remove only sheath material that is already loose and dry, keep water away from the affected node and improve airflow. If the soft area keeps enlarging, isolate the plant and avoid taking propagation material from that section until the cause has been identified
• A new leaf becomes greener after opening: Some greening is normal as yellow-green foliage matures. Keep the routine steady when the plant remains firm and continues to grow
• Dry brown areas form on the brighter foliage: Shift the plant back from the direct beam if the damaged side faces the strongest light. If the pot is unusually light and the root ball is dry, water thoroughly and drain it; do not add extra water to normally moist substrate

Philodendron ‘Painted Lady’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

When was Philodendron first published, and what does it mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.”

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.